Reaching underrepresented communities
The communities most often described as hard to reach aren't disengaged. They face barriers that standard outreach wasn't designed to address.
Updated August 28, 2026 at 1:59 PM PDT
Populations consistently underrepresented in Marin engagement
- Youth and young adults
- Seniors and older adults
- Communities of color and historically marginalized groups
- Limited English proficient individuals
- People with disabilities
- Low-income and economically burdened residents
- Undocumented and mixed-status households
- Agricultural and service industry workers
- Long-term homeowners on fixed incomes
- People with limited digital access or low literacy
- People experiencing housing instability or homelessness
Best practice
- Trusted partners, promotores, and community-based organizations already embedded in communities are among the most valuable engagement assets available. Partner early and compensate fairly.
- Where budget allows, stipends, childcare, food, and transportation support aren't extras — they're what makes participation possible for the people who matter most.
Barriers and what works
| Barrier | What helps |
|---|---|
| Language access | Qualified interpreters, translated materials, bilingual staff or partners |
| Caregiving obligations | Onsite childcare, stipends, virtual participation options |
| Transportation | Pop-up events closer to community, stipends |
| Work schedules | Evening and weekend meetings, recorded sessions, multiple touchpoints |
| Trust and historical harm | Lead with trusted partners, build relationships before the project begins |
| Cultural and social barriers | Food, storytelling, partnerships with faith-based and cultural organizations |
| Fear and safety concerns | Anonymous participation, minimize personal data collection, use trusted intermediaries |
| Disability access | ADA-accessible venues, ASL, captioning, large print, advance materials |
| Digital access and literacy | Paper surveys, phone options, community locations with internet access |
| Youth engagement | Social media, peer networks, school partnerships, contests, stipends |